Brazil's Next Superstar, Real Madrid's Endrick: What's Going Wrong and Where Could He Go Next?
Endrick, once hailed as Brazil's next superstar and a key part of Real Madrid's new era of Galacticos, has found himself struggling to make an impact at the Spanish giants. The 19-year-old made 37 appearances for Real last season, but mostly from the substitutes' bench. His lack of first-team action under new manager Xabi Alonso has left many questioning his future in Madrid.
Endrick's career was supposed to be on the fast track after a promising debut with Palmeiras, where he scored three goals in just 10 appearances. However, at Real Madrid, he has struggled to break into the starting lineup, making only 352 minutes in La Liga and scoring seven goals in his first season.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Endrick suffered a hamstring injury in May, which ruled him out of the Club World Cup. He returned on September 20 but ended up as an unused substitute in Real's next six matches before his 14-minute cameo against Valencia last week.
Brazilian football expert Guillem Balague told BBC Sport that Alonso sees Endrick as a forward with plenty to offer - if not now, then before long. "Alonso recognises he has a good relationship with the goal, it is easy for him to score, but there are priorities," Balague said. "Gonzalo Garcia gives him more because he holds the ball well. He is more linked to the team, whereas Endrick is a finisher and hasn't managed to get into the dynamics of the team."
With his playing time almost non-existent, a World Cup on the horizon and a loan move being mooted, BBC Sport looks at what's going wrong for Endrick and where he could go next.
Endrick has been left out of Brazil's squad by his former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, which raises questions about his readiness for the World Cup. His lack of action under Alonso may scupper hopes of working his way back into Ancelotti's plans in time for the summer.
Sources indicate that a number of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Endrick on loan, including West Ham and Aston Villa. French club Lyon have also been made aware of his possible availability. A deal to Real Madrid would be seen as a significant coup for any club looking to sign him, with the youngster being one of the most expensive teenagers of all time.
While there are those who believe Endrick should stay at Real and continue working under Alonso, others think he needs to get out and play senior football elsewhere. The benefits of playing regularly could aid his long-term plan to become a genuine Galactico, but an ineffective transfer could affect his value and confidence.
Ultimately, the decision on what's best for Endrick will depend on various factors, including his own aspirations and the club's willingness to give him more first-team action. One thing is certain - his future at Real Madrid hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen whether he can turn his season around and become a regular starter for the Los Blancos.
A loan move could provide Endrick with the opportunity to play regularly and score goals, which would help him regain his confidence and improve his chances of becoming a top-class player. It's also worth noting that Real Madrid have made significant investments in their squad in recent years, and they may be willing to give Endrick more opportunities if he continues to perform well on loan.
Wherever Endrick ends up next, one thing is certain - it will be an exciting ride for the young Brazilian forward. With his talent, potential, and dedication, he has the ability to make a significant impact in the football world, whether that's at Real Madrid or elsewhere.
Endrick, once hailed as Brazil's next superstar and a key part of Real Madrid's new era of Galacticos, has found himself struggling to make an impact at the Spanish giants. The 19-year-old made 37 appearances for Real last season, but mostly from the substitutes' bench. His lack of first-team action under new manager Xabi Alonso has left many questioning his future in Madrid.
Endrick's career was supposed to be on the fast track after a promising debut with Palmeiras, where he scored three goals in just 10 appearances. However, at Real Madrid, he has struggled to break into the starting lineup, making only 352 minutes in La Liga and scoring seven goals in his first season.
The situation took a turn for the worse when Endrick suffered a hamstring injury in May, which ruled him out of the Club World Cup. He returned on September 20 but ended up as an unused substitute in Real's next six matches before his 14-minute cameo against Valencia last week.
Brazilian football expert Guillem Balague told BBC Sport that Alonso sees Endrick as a forward with plenty to offer - if not now, then before long. "Alonso recognises he has a good relationship with the goal, it is easy for him to score, but there are priorities," Balague said. "Gonzalo Garcia gives him more because he holds the ball well. He is more linked to the team, whereas Endrick is a finisher and hasn't managed to get into the dynamics of the team."
With his playing time almost non-existent, a World Cup on the horizon and a loan move being mooted, BBC Sport looks at what's going wrong for Endrick and where he could go next.
Endrick has been left out of Brazil's squad by his former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti, which raises questions about his readiness for the World Cup. His lack of action under Alonso may scupper hopes of working his way back into Ancelotti's plans in time for the summer.
Sources indicate that a number of Premier League clubs are interested in signing Endrick on loan, including West Ham and Aston Villa. French club Lyon have also been made aware of his possible availability. A deal to Real Madrid would be seen as a significant coup for any club looking to sign him, with the youngster being one of the most expensive teenagers of all time.
While there are those who believe Endrick should stay at Real and continue working under Alonso, others think he needs to get out and play senior football elsewhere. The benefits of playing regularly could aid his long-term plan to become a genuine Galactico, but an ineffective transfer could affect his value and confidence.
Ultimately, the decision on what's best for Endrick will depend on various factors, including his own aspirations and the club's willingness to give him more first-team action. One thing is certain - his future at Real Madrid hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen whether he can turn his season around and become a regular starter for the Los Blancos.
A loan move could provide Endrick with the opportunity to play regularly and score goals, which would help him regain his confidence and improve his chances of becoming a top-class player. It's also worth noting that Real Madrid have made significant investments in their squad in recent years, and they may be willing to give Endrick more opportunities if he continues to perform well on loan.
Wherever Endrick ends up next, one thing is certain - it will be an exciting ride for the young Brazilian forward. With his talent, potential, and dedication, he has the ability to make a significant impact in the football world, whether that's at Real Madrid or elsewhere.
part of me wants endrick to stay at real madrid and work with new manager xabi alonso, but another part of me thinks he needs to get out there and play senior football elsewhere to get some game time. idk, maybe a loan move would be the way to go? 
especially when u think he was supposed 2 be part of Real Madrid's Galacticos squad 
now he's stuck on the bench 
Alonso seems to know what he can do but it's not happening for him right now 
maybe a loan move would b good 4 him? 
️ also, what's up w/ Ancelotti leaving him out of Brazil squad? 
or is it just a tactical move? 
. He was hyped as Brazil's next superstar but so far, it's just hype 
. At Real Madrid, he's been stuck on the bench and hasn't proven himself to be more than just a finisher. 
His playing time is almost non-existent and that's not helping his confidence or his chances of becoming a top-class player.
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. I feel bad for him - all the hype around his debut with Palmeiras and now he's struggling to get playing time at one of the biggest clubs in the world 
. And to make matters worse, being left out of Brazil's squad for the World Cup? That's gotta be tough on him mentally 
. Maybe a loan move is the way forward for him - get some regular playing time under his belt and build up that confidence again 
. Wishing Endrick all the best to turn things around! 
. I think part of the problem is that he's trying to force his way in instead of working on his game and waiting for his chance. 
. Maybe it's time for him to take a step back, reassess his game, and come back stronger 
.
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. They've got this whole Galacticos thing going on, but it seems like they're more interested in splashing cash than actually developing their youth players. So, if Endrick ends up getting loaned out, I hope he gets a decent club that'll give him the playing time and support he needs to grow into his role 
#EndrickStruggles
. But if he can't get the minutes at Real Madrid, a loan move might be the best option for him. We'll just have to wait and see what happens next... will he turn it around or continue to struggle?